Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year

In education we are fortunate to have an annual opportunity to start over each September. The start of a school year brings with it a sense of newness. Young children are excited about starting school. Older children look forward to seeing their friends and engaging in learning. The weeks ahead will be filled with new routines for students, parents/guardians, school staff, caregivers and many others who are involved in children’s lives.

At Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board we are proud to serve students throughout their learning journey. It is a journey that will help them develop into productive and caring citizens of character.

I am proud to say that Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board serves close to 16,200 students in 54 schools supported by 1,800 staff. As a district, we will continue our focus on literacy as a priority. Literacy begins with the acquisition of skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, with development in the areas of viewing, representing and responding, and mathematics. Literacy provides the foundation for the ability to understand, think, apply and communicate effectively in all subject and program areas, in a variety of ways for a variety of purposes.

Focus areas this year include the following:

• Confirming GROWING WITH CHARACTER as the foundation for system and school cultures through modeling of the eight district attributes: caring, cooperation, honesty, humour, integrity, respect, responsibility and trustworthiness.

• Taking action to ensure that every student demonstrates the skills and values to contribute positively to their chosen communities.

• Assisting students to select appropriate program pathways and achieve success.

• Ensuring the effective use of resources in support of quality educational programs and managing resources in a manner that builds public confidence.

Engaging community partners in developing inclusive school communities that recognize and support equity and diversity.

• Improving accessibility within the district for persons with disabilities.

• Enhancing the educational experience for all students in the district.

• Engaging school communities and the broader community in the alignment of physical, human and financial resources.

Again this year we continue our commitment to working collaboratively with all staff and community partners. We will continue to interact with students, parents, volunteers, business partners, community members, and the list goes on. These interactions provide us with new, innovative ideas, an appreciation for alternative learning opportunities for our students and a respect for those people who possess the spirit and drive to make those ideas become a reality.

I am so proud to be part of this dynamic organization and all that it represents for children and families in our communities.